Important Healthcare Acronyms

It is important that industry professionals properly use and understand the top healthcare acronyms.

The healthcare industry is notorious for having multiple acronyms for just about every type of phrase, piece of equipment, type of record, or general saying. To make matters worse, many companies adopt their own internal acronyms, which can be confusing to even the most seasoned of employees. In order to combat the onslaught of healthcare acronyms, below are a few that are used in every day documents.

Top Healthcare Acronyms With Definitions

Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) — This refers to the process used to verify diagnosis codes that have been submitted for payment and are also supported by medical record documentation.

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) — An EMR is the electronic version of a traditional paper medical record.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) — The EHR is the electronic version of the traditional health record.

Medical Records Review Validation (MRVV) — This acronym refers to the process used to review medical records and validate their information.

Validation Reason Codes (VRC) — This refers to the codes used during various reviews of records or other documents.

Protected Health Information (PHI) — This refers to all health information, including patient records, that should be protected.

Past Medical History (PMH) — As the name suggests, PMH refers to a patient’s past medical history.

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) — This refers to an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization within the U.S. that strives to improve health care quality via evidence-based standards, programs, accreditation, and measures.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) — This refers to the health reform legislation passed by the 111th Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) — This refers to the U.S. law that is designed to help protect the privacy of patient medical records, as well as other health information.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD) — This refers to the global standard for the classification of diseases, as well as the statistics and information surrounding them.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) — This refers to a nonprofit organization that aims to promote the best use of IT and management systems within the healthcare industry.

In an industry that is strictly regulated, it is important to wisely choose what acronyms to use, as well as how to define them. Armed with these important healthcare acronyms, you will be ready to better understand industry-related documents and publications. For additional help protecting your company contact Colorado Computer Support located in Colorado Springs via blake@coloradosupport.com or 719.439.0599.

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